I hope you consider the invitation. Detroit is down but likely not out. And if we can solve the failing schools, high taxes, hatred and segregation, depopulation, political corruption and other fundamental challenges that plague that city, we surely can solve any problem in the Union.

So since you seem to be a working man - Blackberry in pocket, newspaper under arm and briefcase in hand - I've gathered here a small collection of recent writings on Detroit - the good, the bad and the possible.

Perhaps you'll find time for reading on the short flight to Michigan from D.C.